Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has abruptly dismissed Air Force General CQ Brown from his position as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, continuing his strategy to reshape military leadership that supports diversity and equity.
Trump has nominated Air Force Lieutenant General Dan "Razin" Caine to succeed Brown, commending his credentials as a pilot and national security expert, noting his key role in defeating the ISIS caliphate. Caine, previously overlooked by Biden, is expected to prioritize military strength. Trump also revealed plans for further senior military nominations by Secretary Pete Hegseth.
I want to thank General Charles “CQ” Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family.
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) February 22, 2025
Today, I am honored…
Who Is General Charles “CQ” Brown?
Charles Quinton Brown Jr. (born 1962) is an esteemed U.S. Air Force general, serving as the 21st chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 1, 2023, until February 21, 2025. Before that, he was the 22nd chief of staff of the Air Force (2020-2023) and has logged over 3,000 flight hours. A graduate of Texas Tech University, he achieved a three-star general rank by June 2015. He became the first African American to lead a military branch and holds numerous awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal.
TRUMP NOMINATES GENERAL CAINE AS NEXT CHAIRMAN OF JOINT CHIEFS
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 22, 2025
Trump has announced Lt. Gen. Dan 'Razin' Caine as his pick for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, replacing Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown. Trump praised Caine as a 'warfighter' and national security expert who… https://t.co/CWc8XO8efJ pic.twitter.com/iZp29hUCLm
The Defense Meritorious Service Medal features a crimson ribbon with white stripes, alongside meritorious service and aerial achievement medals. Additional honors include the Joint Service Commendation Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf clusters. Unit accolades comprise the Joint Meritorious Unit Award and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Service awards feature the Combat Readiness Medal and various campaign medals, such as the Bronze Star and National Defense Service Medal. In 2022, Brown was awarded the Golden Plate by the American Academy of Achievement.
Brown, who was the second Black general to chair the Joint Chiefs, made significant contributions during his 16-month term, notably in managing the Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed gratitude for Brown's service, calling him a "fine gentleman and outstanding leader," while wishing him well in the future.
Who Would Be The Successor Of General Charles “CQ” Brown?
Trump has nominated Air Force Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine as Brown’s successor. He praised Caine's credentials, highlighting his achievements as a pilot and national security expert, and emphasized Caine's critical role in the swift defeat of the ISIS caliphate during Trump’s first term.
Caine, who was previously overlooked for promotion by the Biden administration, is expected to prioritize military strength and national interests. Trump announced that Secretary Pete Hegseth would seek nominations for five additional senior military roles, indicating further changes in military leadership are forthcoming.